Imaging of central nervous system tumors in children: advances and limitations.
Magnetic resonance technology is continually improving. Functional imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy, perfusion imaging, diffusion imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging are increasingly used in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in children. However, estimate of tumor size remains the primary imaging endpoint in the evaluation of response to treatment, and validation across institutions and vendor platforms of magnetic resonance imaging functional parameters is necessary given the relatively uncommon occurrence of brain tumors in children. Pediatric neuroimaging can be challenging, and the optimal way to image children with tumors of the central nervous system is not uniformly applied across all centers. Application of proper scanning techniques and validation of functional imaging techniques should lead to improved care of children with central nervous system tumors.
Vézina
Louis-Gilbert
LG
Program in Neuroradiology, Children's National Medical Center, Radiology and Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010-2970, USA. gvezina@cnmc.org
D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000473:pathology*; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D003287:Contrast Media